Labeling Psychological Disorders: A Case Study

The labelling theory in relation to health and social care is very significant. Labels are used consistently within health and social care settings, whether this is through diagnosis, or a service user/providers background. If a service user was diagnosed with a mental health condition like schizophrenia, then this will provide them with a ‘label’. In some cases, labels can be an advantage as it helps aid recovery and treatment, even though it is stigmatising. Labels help service providers provide appropriate care. This can be a result of their own understanding of treatment or recovery paths that link in with this given ‘label’.

Many doctors and school officials believe that the diagnosis and labeling of these individuals is helpful so that they can be assisted with their struggles. The idea is that if a disorder goes undiagnosed it must go untreated

The diagnostic label is the most positive outcome of the Rosenhan’s study because it advanced treatment patients and helped to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Labels started being handled more carefully so that a patient is not just seen as their diagnosis, the patients can receive better care with an unbiased opinion toward their actions and past. The psychiatric diagnostic label also became apart of Dr. O.F. Wahl’s research about the effect of the stigma surrounding mental health. This research showed the detrimental results of stigma “urged public education as a means of reducing stigma.” (Hock,

Kroska, A. Harkness, S.K. (2008). Exploring the role of diagnosis in the modified labeling theory of mental illness. Social Psychology Quarterly, 71, 193-208

Scheff’s Labelling Theory is a process which involves labelling people with mental disorders when they produce behaviour that does not fit with socially constructed norms and labelling those who reflect stereotyped or stigmatized behaviour of the ‘mentally ill’. A disadvantage of labelling an individual with depression is that labelling can accentuate and prolong the issue. In addition by labelling someone with depression who in fact is not depressed may in fact become depressed as a result. Another problem is that labelling an individual with depression means that they can have problems with getting a job and leading a life in the future because

Early intervention is a process which involves stepping into a child’s life as soon as possible to tackle problems. ‘Early’ does not necessarily mean at an early age but in this case it refers more to the stage in the development of a child’s problems. Early intervention is important as the earlier a problem is identified; the more likely it is that the problem can be corrected before serious consequences arise, sometimes resulting in a child’s death (Mahoney 2007, p-3).

Mental Illness, that name conjures up a vast array of frightening images in the minds of the general public and media; an unfair image that is stigmatizing for the sufferer. The stigma is also pervasive in the mental health field, where patients who receive treatment are sometimes treated unfairly by the practitioners, who are supposed to help them in the first place. This is what my paper will discuss, the effects of stigma and labeling on patients and their families. I have culled many sources from scholarly papers, that back up my claim. I will describe what I thought of about the articles and how they pertain to the main points I am trying to make.

One in every seventeen people in America suffers from a mental disorder. These disorders inhibit the afflicted person from functioning properly and coping normally with daily life. Many afflicted with a psychological disorder do not exhibit obvious symptoms, as medical advancements have made it possible for these disorders to be suppressed or even nonexistent. Today, however, harsh stigmas exist that unfairly categorize those with a mental illness as violent, unfriendly, and abnormal. The media and federal government are culprits in fabricating the unrealistic depictions of mental disability that define the portrayal of those who are mentally or psychologically disadvantaged.

Psychiatric labels can badly hurt those labeled, says George Vaillant, because they fail to distinguish among health, illness, and immorality (361).

There is an age-old debate about the consequences of diagnosing an individual. Those who oppose diagnosis express the concerns associated with labeling an individual, only creating stigma for themselves and from society. Those who agree with diagnosing a patient claim that information regarding mental health can give the individual peace of mind and progress towards a treatment. Despite the stigma around diagnosing, there are far greater benefits for the patient. A diagnosis gives the individual the opportunity to understand themselves and go forward with treatment options.

If you or someone you love has autism, you know how frustrating it can be. You sometimes feel as if you are at the end of your rope and that nothing can be done other than leave that person or child on pharmaceutical medications that have some devastating side effects. Until now.

Autism is a fairly new diagnosis in the healthcare industry. A rapidly growing number of children are being diagnosed annually. There have been many rumors about how children are developing autism, and many treatment options are being attempted. There is currently no cure for this condition.

There are certain things animals can do for people that people can’t do for each other. Pet therapy is one of the many ways use to help anyone with a physical or mental disability. Currently, no medications can cure all autistic symptoms. However, there are medications that can help autistic people live more comfortably. Such medications are ones that help with aggression or self-injury.

Medication is simply a compliment to the other strategies of overcoming autism, it works best when weaving it in with therapy. The medication only cures the symptoms of autism - communication, social issues and repetitive behavior - but they're not as effective on one as it is on another. The most common medications to tackle their aggression and self injury are Antipsychotic drugs. Medication is only used to numb the behaviors of someone with autism, not to effectively improve their path to living an effective life. However with our technology, current research will form compounds to normalize brain functions involved in autism.

Even though there is a great deal of research on the long term benefits of early intervention, continued screening and research will allow to further prove research that has shown “stronger and more consistent evidence of the benefits of early identification and intervention (prior to 12 months) on the development of language and communication skills” (Calderon, 1998, p. 55). Moreover, children are found to have better language scores when they enter early intervention before twelve months. With this, the two studies further explain the importance of early intervention.